Totalizer and change-maker for coinoperated apparatus



June 16, 1964 P. A. JOHNSON TOTALIZER AND CHANGE-MAKER FOR COIN-OPERATED APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 25, 1958 N I. 0 0 m \m Q W T. wm mm\ mfi W s W F A A r F x Q p X 4 R NA AWN m w ww m \o c 8 NM Q. mm mm MA A Q U H mm wx ww w w. H \& m Q 5 m M k u AR mvh. MWIIIIMWAIIINIQI IL June 16, 1964 P. A. JOHNSON 3,137,377

TOTALIZER AND CHANGE-MAKER FOR COIN-OPERATED APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 25, 1958 INVENTOR. 4. cfohwso/v 4rr0/QWEV June 16, 1964 P. A. JOHNSON 3,137,377

TOTALIZER AND CHANGE-MAKER FOR COIN-OPERATED APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 25, 1958 K\ It INVENTOR PHIL IP 4. UBHA/sON June 16, 1964 P. A. JOHNSON TOTALIZEIR AND CHANGE-MAKER FOR COIN-OPERATED APPARATUS Filed July 25, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 TOTALIZER AND CHANGE-MAKER FGR COIN- v OPERATED APPARATUS Philip A. Johnson, 5811 Columbus, Van Nuys, Calif. Filed July 25, 1958, Ser. No. 751,603 I Claims. (Cl. 194-10) This invention relates to a totalizer and a change-maker for coin-operated apparatus, such as vending machines and the like. The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application, Serial No. 643,298, filed January 15, 1957, for Totalizer for Vending Machines, now abandoned.

Totalizers and change-makers incorporated in presentday vending machines, and other coin-operated apparatus, are frequently mechanical or electro-mechanical in nature. Such totalizers and change-makers may involve close mechanical tolerances, and may require a large amount of maintenance. The defects of suchtotalizers and change-makers include difiiculty of adjustment for vending at different selling prices and burning out of solenoids as a result of sticking of coins in the coin slots of the apparatus.

Further very important limitations and defects of conventional mechanical and electro-uiechanical apparatus of the type in question, and also of certain electronic equipment adapted to effect totalizing and change-making funcment of the invention, and including means for adding not only nickels, dimes and quarters, but also pennies;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view illustrating means to prevent building up of charge on the storage capacitor as a result of leakage of current across the coinswitches; FIGURE 6 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is adapted no only to totalizeeoins but also to make changejand FIGURE 7 illustrates a fifth embodiment: of the invention, showing the use of the present invention in the vending of music.

. Embodiment 0 FIGURE 1 Referring toFIGURE 1 of the drawings, the circuit may be divided into a means 10 (to the left of points a and b) for supplying a relatively stable or constant direct voltage, a means 11 (to the right of points c and d) for initiating a control effect, and atotalizer means 12 (between points a-b and c-d) for controlling operation of the initiating means 11 in response to the introduction of a certain number of coins into coin slots of the vending machine or other coin-operated apparatus. The totalizer means 12 includes a portion 13 adapted to compensate for the effects of leakage across coinswitches, self-charging 'of capacitors, etc., so that operation of the totalizer means 12 will not be impaired despite non-use of an energized machine for long periods of time. The output tions, include the following: (1) inability or impracticality of totalizing not only nickels, dimes, and quarters, but also pennies, (2) inability to post-select, as well as preselect, (3) extreme complexity, high cost, large bulk and weight, and relative instability of operation. With relation to factor (1), it is emphasized that there are many situations in which it is desired to effect operation of coin-operated machines at some price, such as thirty-seven cents, which is not a multiple of five. With relation to factor (2), it is emphasized that there are many situations in which it is desirable that the customer insert the coins Y in the apparatus before he performs an additional function (such as pressing a button) to elfect actual vending. This is known as post-select, since selection of the article to be vended need not occur until after insertion of the coins. It is to be contrasted with conventional preselect situations, in which the article is selected before the coins are inserted.

In view of the above and other factors characteristic of totalizers and change-makers for coin-operated apparatus such as vending machines, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical totalizer and changemaker which is simple, reliable and stable in construction and operation, which is adaptable for either pre-select or post-select operations, andwhich will totalize a variety of coin denominations including pennies.

Another object of the invention is to provide an elec-' trical accumulator and change-maker which is extremely easy toset for vending at various selling prices, which is not subject to burning out as a result of sticking of coins in r the coin slots, and which is characterizedby lowcost of manufacturing and maintenance.

These and other objects and advantages of the inven-' side of the initiating mean'sll is connected to a control circuit 14, represented schematically, which 'is connected to a vending machine, not shown, in order to efiect and time a vending cycle in' response to actuation by the above-indicated means 10-,11. The control circuit 14 may be of numerous types, and need not be described in detail herein. v

The voltage supply means 10 is adapted to be connected to terminals 16 and 17 of a conventional source of 115 volt alternating current by contacts, not shown, on the conventional on-ofi switch of a vending machine. 7 The use of such a current source'is highly importantin' the a vending machine business sinceit eliminates the necessity .for special wiring, for example for 220 volts, at each vending machine location. Terminal 16 is connected through a lead 18 to a suitable half-wave rectifier 19, and also through a lead 21 to a second half-wave rectifier 22, the rectifiers 19 and 22 arranged oppositely "relative to each other. A pair" of capacitors 23 are connected in series-relationshipbetween the outputs of rectifiers 19 and 22, and a lead 24 is connected from a point-intermediate the capacitors 23 to a point ona lead 26 from supply terminal 17. With the above-described circuit, the two' capacitors '23 are charged to the peak'voltage of the supply source on alternate half cycles, and the polarities are such that'the direct voltages developed across the capacitors add to result in'a doubling of the supply voltage. In order to regulate or stabilize the voltage developed across the capictors 23, a plurality of cold-cathode gasfilled diodes 27,,prefe'rably type NE-57 neon tubes or equivalent, are series-connected together with a resistor 28 across the rectifier outputs. The result is that the points a and b (on opposite sides of thefneon tubes 27) ar'esupplied with a regulated voltage which remains substantially constant despite variations in the supply -voltage through relativelywide limits, for example from to volts. sumed that the components are so connectedrthatpoint a is positive, as indicated, and point t: negative.

The means 11 for initiating a control effect isillustrated to comprise a cold-cathode gas-filled diode :31, preferably a type NIB-32 neon tube or equivalent,,adapted to fire at a predetermined voltage value. Means 11 further comprises a cold-cathode gas;filledtriode or thyra- In the present specification it will be as- 1 transformer 33 having an input coil 34 and an output coil 35, with a turns ratio from input coil to output coil preferably in the range of 20:1, and a double-pole relay 37.

Neon tube 31 and input coil 34 of pulsing transformer 33 are series-connected in a lead 38 between point and a point on the negative lead 39 which connects to point b. The output coil 35 of the pulsing transformer connects at one end to the grid or firing electrode of thyratron 32, and at the other end to lead 39. A lead 42 is employed to connect the cathode of thyratron 32 to lead 39. The plate of the thyratron is connected by a lead 43 to the coil 44 of relay 37. Coil 44 also connects to the lead 26 which runs to the alternating current input terminal 17, there being interposed in such lead the normally-closed contacts 47 of a relay 48.

The first set of contacts 49 of relay 37 are normally open, and connect through leads 51 and 52 to the control circuit 14. The second set of contacts 53 of relay 37, also normally open, connect through a lead 54 to point 0 and through a lead 40 to lead 42.

From the above it will be seen that upon energization of relay 37-to close its contacts 49, the circuit between leads 51 and 52 will be closed. This, in turn, will initiate operation of the control circuit 14 to result in a vending cycle. After a predetermined interval, determined by timing elements in the control circuit 14, a momentary voltage will be impressed by the control circuit 14 across two leads 56 and 57 which connect to the coil 58 of relay 48. This voltage elfects momentary opening of the contacts 47 of such relay, and resets the totalizer as will be described subsequently.

Closing of contacts 53 of relay 37 completes a circuit from point 0 through leads 54, 40, 42, and 39 to point d. This operates, as will be described hereinafter, to reset the totalizer portion 12 of the circuit so that it may eifect accurate accumulating or totalizing during a subsequent operation ofthe device.

It will be understood that when the predetermined firing voltage of neon tube 31 is impressed across points a and d (contacts 53 being open), that tube will fire and permit flow of current through the primary 34 of pulsing transformer 33. A voltage will then be induced in the transformer secondary 35, and this'will effect firing of thyratron 32. Plate current will then flow in the thyratron through a circuit which may be traced from coil 44 of relay 37 to lead 43, the plate of the thyratron, the cathode of the thyratron, lead 42, lead 39, rectifier 22, lead 21, lead 18, terminal 16 of the voltage source, terminal 17 thereof, lead 26, and back to the other side of relay coil 44. v

The rectifying action of rectifier 22 and the storage action of capacitor 23 convert the alternating current into direct current having characteristics sufiicient to allow closure of the relay contacts 49 and 53 and to maintain them closed until the thyratron 32 is extinguished. Such extinguishment of the thyratron occurs, as previously indicated, as soon as the control circuit 14 operates through relay 48 to momentarily open relay contacts 47 and break the above-described circuit.

The neon tube 31 performs the very desirable function of stabilizing the circuit to compensate for variations in the characteristics of thyratron 32. It follows that the firing voltage for circuit means 11 will remain constant despite changes in such factors as ambient temperatures.

The totalizer means 12 is adapted to impress between points c and d thefiring voltage of neon tube 31 when, and only when, coins have been inserted in the vending machine and which add up to the price of the article being vended. The totalizer includes a voltage adjusting or potentiometer means connected across points a and b, and which preferably comprises three resistors 61, 62 and 63arranged in series relationship. Resistor 61 is illustrated as fixed in value and connects at one end to lead 39 and at the other end to resistor 62, the latter also being shown as fixed in value. Resistor 63, which connects between point a and resistor 62, has a sliding contact 64 which might, alternatively, be a variable tap. The total current from the power supply through resistors 61, 62 and 63 should be in the order of 0.5 ma., the voltage at the junction of resistors 61 and 62 should approximate 1 volt, and the voltage at the junction of resistors 62 and 63 should be greater than the firing voltage of neon tube 31.

The sliding contact 64 connects through a lead 66 to corresponding contacts 67 of three (or any desired number of) double-throw switches 68-71). The arms 72 of the switches 68-70 connect, respectively, through charg ing capacitors 73-75 to the negative lead 39. The remaining terminals or contacts 76 of switches 68-70 connect to a lead 77 and thence via a resistor 78 to point 0.

A storage capacitor 79 is connected between points 0 and d, the latter point being on lead 39.

The switches 6840 are coin switches which are associated with the respective coin slots 80, 80a. and 80b (FIGURE 3) of the coin mechanism of a vending machine or other coin-operated apparatus. An actuator 88d is provided for each arm 72, and operates to momen I tarily shift the arm when a coin is inserted in the associated slot. The switches are normally in the positions illustrated, with arms 72 thereof in contact with terminals 67, but upon passing of a coin the arms 72 are momentarily moved (by actuators d) into contact with terminals 76.

Let it be assumed, for purposes of illustration, that switch 68 is in the 5:; slot 80 of the coin mechanism, switch 69 inthe 10 slot 800:, and switch 70 in the 25 slot 8%. Switch 68 will, therefore, be momentarily closed away from terminal 67 to terminal 76 when a five-cent piece is introduced into slot 80 of the vending machine, and switches 69 and 70. will be correspondingly shifted upon introduction of ten or twenty-five cent pieces into the machine.

The charging capacitors 73-75 have different capacitance values adapted to produce an addition effect upon repeated discharge thereof into storage capacitor 79. The relationship between capacitors 73-75 is not linear,

but may be discovered by empirical means such as will next be described. Assuming (as above stated) that switch 68 is in the nickel slot, switch 69 in the dime slot, and switch 7 0 in the quarter slot, a capacitor 73 of suitable size is chosen and is repeatedly charged and discharged ten times into the capacitor 79. This is done by operation of switch 68, and with sliding contact 64 at a pre determined point. It is then determined what resultant voltage is impressed across the capacitor 79. This process is then repeated for capacitor 74, but only for five" repeated discharges thereof, and the capacitance value of capacitor 74 is adjusted empirically until the five discharges produce the same resultant voltage across capacitor 79 as did the ten discharges of capacitor 73. The process is then repeated with capacitor 75, except that only two discharges thereof are effected. Since (with the same setting of contact 64) ten discharges of capacitor 73, five discharges of capacitor 74, or two discharges of capacitor 75 each produce the same voltage across capacitor 79, it follows that discharges of various ones of capacitors 73-75 will produce an addition effect as desired.

The discharge of each charging capacitor 73-75 is only partial, since each charging capacitor, when discharging, is in parallel with storage capacitor 79. Throughout this specification and claims, the word discharge means partial discharge unless complete discharge is specified (such as with reference to capacitor 79).

Capacitor '79 must be sufiiciently large to hold the charge impressed thereon from the respective capacitors 73-75 during an addition or totalizing operation. Nor-' mally, the exact capacitance. value of a capacitor 79 is adjusted in accordance with the firing voltage of neon tube 31. In one preferred embodiment of FIGURE 1 of the present invention, capacitor 73 has approximately 0.1 rnfd. capacitance, capacitor 74 has approximately 0.21 mfd. capacitance, capacitor 75 has approximately 0.56 mfd. capacitance, and capacitor 79 has approximatelyfOA mfd. capacitance.

In the operation of the above-described portion of means 12, all of the charging capacitors 73-75 are initially charged to a voltage determined by the setting of sliding contact 64, through the respective switches 68-70 which are then in the illustrated positions with arms 72 in contact with terminals 67. When a coin is inserted in a coin slot, the corresponding capacitor 73-75discharges through lead 77 and resistor 78 to efiect'charging of capacitor 79. Such charging of capacitor 79. will be in an arnount determined by the charge on the capacitor 73-75 which was thus partially discharged. When the voltage across capacitor 79 has built up (after repeated coin insertions) to the firing voltage of neon tube 31,

such tube fires to initiate the control effect as above described. The resistor 78 serves as a current limiting resistor to insure against mis-operation of the totalizer means 12 due to any inductive surges in the capacitors.

Let it be assumed, merely for purposes of illustration, that the circuit was initially calibrated with sliding'contact 64 at a point representing a total price (of the article being vended) of 50. This being the case, and with the coin switches and capacitors related as above stated, the neon tube 31 would fire at ten discharges of capacitor 73, five of capacitor 74 or two of capacitor .75. It would also fire at four discharges of capacitor74 and two of capacitor 73, etc. Assuming that it is then desired to make the neon tube fire at 35, the price of the vended article being less, contact 64 is shifted upwardly on resistor 63 so that a lesser number of discharges of capacitors 73-75 will be required to produce the firing voltage of neon tube 31. This is done empirically during calibration of the circuit, with sliding contact 64 first being shifted to a given point, after which capacitor 75 is discharged once and capacitor 74 is also discharged once. Sliding contact 64 is then shifted, both capacitors 75 and 74 are discharged, and the process is repeated until the firing voltage of neon tube 31 is achieved. The same effect would have been producedhad capacitor 74 been discharged three times and capacitor 73 once, or had capacitor 73 been discharged seven times, etc. After calibration of the circuit, a scale is provided on resistor 63 to indicate the points to which contact 64 should be shifted in order to produce vending at various article prices.

The portion 13 of means 12, which compensates for effects of leakage across switches 68-70 and also-for the effects of self-charging of capacitor 79, comprises a suitable diode vacuum tube 81 having itscathode connected to point e. The plate of the diode is connected through a lead 82 to the juncture of resistors 61 and 62 such juncture being substantially more negative inpotential than any point to which the sliding contact 64'may be moved. A relatively large resistor 83, preferably of about to megohms, is interposed in lead 82. Re-

sistor 83 limits the current through diode 81; which diode prevents the bleeding off of the charge put on capacitor 79 as the result of shifting of a switch arm 72 to terminal 76.

There is a current leakage across the respective switches 68-70 upon standing of the vending machine for long periods between vending operations. This leakage occurs even with good commercial coin switches, which are well insulated such as with Bakelite. Furthermore, there is a substantial self-charging of capacitor 79, due to dielectric hysteresis, which charging would take place even if the capacitor were disconnected from the circuit and stored away in a box, for example. These eifects tend to build up a voltage across capacitor 79 and render the totalizing action of the circuit means 12 inaccurate.

The circuit portion 13 prevents or compensates for this building up of voltage across capacitor 79, inthe follow- I ing manner. When the capacitor 79 is completely discharged, due to closing of contact 53 of relay 37, the

voltage of point c i'sthe same as the voltage at point d. Since point d is onthe negative lead 39, and since the plate of" diode 81 is connected through lead v82 to the juncture. of resistors 61 and 62, it follows that the plate of the diode is positive with respective to ,the cathode thereof. The plate being positive, the'diode will conduct electron current from point 0 through resistor 83 and lead- 82 to resistor 61 and thence to negative lead 39. Such current conduction effects bleeding of the leakage and self-charging current, and obviates objectionable changes in the conditions of capacitor 79 which might otherwise occur during prolonged periods between coin insertions.

The resistor 61 is relatively small, and may have only about one volt'voltage drop thereacross. Suchvoltage is so small that the discharge of any of the capacitors 7, 73-75 will immediately make point 0, and the cathodeof diode 81, positivewith respect to the plate. The diode will then cease to conduct, which will permit building up of the voltageacross capacitor 79 as is necessary in order to effect firingof neon tube 31.

Operation-FIGURE 1 To summarizebriefiythe operationof. the embodiment of the accumulator or totalizer shown in FIGURE-1, all

a of relay 37 when the voltage between points 0 aud'd corresponds to the insertion of a desired coin total '(for example 35) in the various coin slots 80,- aand 805 (FIGURE 3) of the vending machine with which the circuit is associated. v v

The arms 72 of the-various coin switches 68-70 being. closed to terminals 67 as illustrated, the charging capacitors 73-75 will be charged to -a voltage determined by the setting of sliding contact 64. When a coin is inserted into the vending machine, the switch 68, 69 or 70 in the slot for the coin of that denomination will close momentarily to terminal 76,- resulting-in discharge of. the associated capacitor 73-75 and in the charging, of the A storage capacitor 79 by an amount determined by the storage capacity of thecapacitor discharged. Repeated insertion of various coins into their coin slots and totalling the predetermined figure will, as above explained, result in firing of neon tube 31.

Upon firing of such tube, the pulsing transformer 33 is energized to effect firing of thyratron 32. This closes the circuit through the coil 44 ofrelay 37, and maintains the contacts 49 and 53 thereof closed until-the thyratronceases to fire. 'Closing contacts 49eifects operation of control circuit 14 to effect a vending cycle, at the end of which the relay 48 is energized to momentarily open contacts 47. This causes thyratron 32 to cease firing, and resets the circuit for a new cycle of operation.

- Closing of con-tacts 530i relay 37 effects complete d-ischarging of capacitor 79 to put such capacitor in condition for a new totalizing operation. j The discharge of capacitor 79 also, as above described, makes the plate of diode 81 positive with respect to. the cathode thereof and results in bleeding of self-charging and leakage'currents from point 0, so that the voltageacross capacitor 79 will'remain at zero (or very close to it) until additional coins are inserted. 'Itis pointed out that the firing of neon tube 31 does not completely discharge capacitor 79, but only results in a lowering of the voltage thereacross. Complete discharge of capacitor 79 is not effected until contacts 53 close. For example, if the neon tube 31 fires at 70 volts,

it may cease to fire at about 50 volts. The voltage across the capacitor will then drop from 50 to volts upon closing of the contacts 53.

Em bodiment of FIG URE 2 Referring next to FIGURE 2, there is illustrated a second embodiment of the invention, the showing of FIG- URE 2 being adapted to be substituted for the showing enclosed by the dashed line box in FIGURE 1. The elements of FIGURE 1 outside of the dashed line box have corresponding elements in FIGURE 2, but are not shown therein. Elements in FIGURE 2 corresponding to elements within the dashed line box in FIGURE 1 have been given the same reference numerals.

Briefly stated, FIGURE 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the input voltage to the charging capacitors 73a, 74a and 75a is constant instead of variable, as it is in FIGURE 1. Instead, the adjustment factor (for making the vending operation commence when coins totalling different values are inserted) is made by connecting an additional voltage-producing means, preferably a capacitor 84, whose capacity is preferably more than five times that of capacitor 79a, in series with capacitor 79a and across the the series combination of the neon tube 31 and transformer primary 34. The voltage across the additional capacitor'84 is varied by means of a potentiometer 86, the winding of which is connected in series with resistors 61 and 62 between points a and b. The sliding contact 37 of potentiometer 86 is connected through a lead 83 to one side of capacitor 84, the other side thereof being connected to point d.

In the present embodiment, point a is not on lead 39 but instead is on a lead 89 which connects to the juncture of resistors 61 and 86, one side of each capacitor 73a- 75a, and 79a being connected to such lead 80. Point d connects, however, to the lead 40, so that a shorting or discharging circuit for capacitor 79a may be completed through lead 40, contacts 53 of relay 37, lead 54 and point c.

The winding of potentiometer 86 is connected between leads 39 and 89. Resistor 62 is connected to point a,

and resistor 61 to lead 89.

Point a connects directly through a lead 91 to the terminals 67 of the various coin switches 68-7 0. The terminals 76 of switches 68-70 connect through the lead 77 and resistor 78 to point 0. The arms '72 of the switches connect, as in the first embodiment, to the capacitors 73a-75a respectively.

The portion 13 of totalizer means 12, for compensating for the elfects of self-charging of capacitor 79a, and leakage across switches 68-70, is the same as in the first embodiment.

Operati0nFIGURE 2 In the operation of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 2, the voltage applied to each capacitor 7 341-7 a when its associated coin switch 68-70 is in the illustrated position, is fixed, and comprises the drop across resistors 61 and 62. The capacitors 73a-75a are related as in the first embodiment, so that momentary shifting of an arm 72 to terminal 76 will result in charging of capacitor 79a by an amount determined by the denomination of the coin inserted in the vending machine. It follows that a voltage will build up across capacitor 790 between points c and d, which will represent the price of the article being dispensed by the vending machine. Neon tube 31 will then fire, since the sliding contact 87 is adjusted to such a position that the sum of the voltages across capacitors 79a and 84 will be the firing voltage of the neon tube 31 when the desired sum of money has been inserted into the device. When neon tube 31 fires, transformer 33 will be energized and will operate through the grid or trigger electrode of thyratron 32 to fire the thyratron, which will operate as in the first embodiment to energize the relay 37 and initiate a vending cycle.

Fromthe above it will be understood that when the price of the article being vended is relatively small, sliding contact 87 will be shifted relatively far down on resistor 86 to impress a relatively high voltage on capacitor 84. The additional voltage impressed across capacitor 79a due to discharge of the various capacitors 73a-75a need not then be great in order to efiect firing of neon tube 31. When the price of the article being dispensed is relatively high, sliding contact 87 is slid upwardly so that little or no voltage is impressed across capacitor 84. A relatively large number of coins must then be introduced into the vending machine in order to build up a voltage across capacitor 79a sufficient to effect firing of neon tube 31.

Additional theory and methods relative to calibration will be set forth hereinafter, particularly with reference to FTGURE 6.

Embodiment 0 FIGURE 4, Incorporating a Penny Register Proceeding next to a description of the embodiment of FIGURE 4, a circuit is illustrated which will not only effect addition of nickels, dimes, and quarters, but also of pennies where the price of the article being vended is not a multiple of five. Thus, a vending machine may be actuated to vend at a purchase price of 38, for example, by inserting a quarter, a dime, and three pennies, or seven nickel and three pennies, etc.

Stated generally, the circuit of FIGURE 4 is a modification of the circuit of FIGURE 2, described above, and a number of the corresponding circuit elements has been correspondingly numbered. Most of the circuit elements in FIGURE 4 to the left of points a and b correspond to those shown and described with relation to FIGURE 1. However, in the present embodiment the connection between alternating current source terminal 17 and the circuit point between capacitors 23 is shown as being made by leads and 101. A direct voltage isthus impressed across the points a and b as previously described, such voltage being on the order of twice the source voltage. As previously stated, point a is represented as being positive, and point b negative.

Point a connects to a positive lead 102 extending to contacts 67 of coin switches 68-70, inclusive. A negative lead 103 is connected to point b, and extends clear to one side of the secondary 35 of transformer 33. A plurality of resistors (or potentiometer windings) 104-115, inclusive, are series connected between leads 102 and 103. The first or upper one of such resistors, numbered 104, may be fixed in value and is connected at its lower end to a lead 117. Lead 117 extends to the previously describedcharging capacitors 73a-75a and also to the storage capacitor 79a. The voltage drop across resistor 104 is thus impressed upon capacitors 73a-75a When the coin-switch arms 72 are in the positions illustrated. Upon momentary shifting of one or more coin-switch arms 72 into engagement with contact 76, the associated charging capacitors 73a-75a are discharged through a lead 118 into storage capacitor 791:.

In the present illustration, the circuit is adapted to add pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters up to a 50 total. This being the case, a tap or contact point connected to the upper end of resistor 106 has been designated 50, a tap at the upper end of resistor 107 has been designated 45, and so forth down to the point Where the tap at the upper end of resistor has been designated 5e. Such taps or contact points are schematically represented as associated with-a slider 119 on a contact bar or lead 121, the latter being shown as connected through a single-pole single-throw switch 122 to a lead 123 and thus to the primary 34 of transformer 33. Switch 122 may be termed the post-select switch since it need not be closed by the customer until after insertion of the coins. Such switch may be a push button, for example, having the added function of determining what article is to be vended.

The capacitor 84, described in connection with FIG- URE 2, is connected between leads 117 and 123, which means that shifting of the slider 119 effects variation of the voltage across capacitor 84. When the slider 119 is at the lower end of contact bar or lead 121, the voltage drop across all resistors 105-114 is impressed across capacitor 84, which means that very little voltage need be impressed across storage capacitor 79a in order to effect initiation of a vending cycle through firing of the diode 31. When the slider 119 is near the upper end of the scale, little or no voltage is impressed across capacitor 34, and much charging of capacitor 79a must be effected before the vending cycle will commence. The slider and contact-point arrangement described above is exemplary of a large number of means for varying the voltage impressed upon capacitor 84 and thus determining the number of coins, and the types of coins, which must be inserted into the coin slots before vending will take place.

Resistor 105 is normally shorted, and thus rendered inoperative, by means of a shorting circuit which comprises a lead 124, a manual switch 126, the normallyclosed contacts 127 of a relay 128, a lead 129, and a lead 131 back to the lead 117.

The values of the various resistances 105-115, inclusive, are selected to effect vending at the desired prices. The calibration thereof will be discussed subsequently, in connection with FIGURE 6.

Before proceeding with a description of the penny register portion of the circuit in FIGURE 4, a brief description will be given of the operation of the circuit with nickels, dimes, and quarters only. It is to be understood, of course, that the specification of nickels, dimes, quarters and pennies is representative only, and that various other United States or foreign denominations could be employed. In order to effect operation without pennies, the circiut is set (by the service man) by opening the manual switch 126, and blocking the penny slot of the coin device.

Let it be assumed that the slider 119 has been'set at the 45 terminal, as indicated, and that switch 122 is open. Any combination of nickels, dimes, and quarters, totalling 45, may then be inserted into the coin slots. The associated capacitors 73a-75a are thus discharged into storage capacitor 791: which achieves'a predetermined voltage after coins totalling the45 have been inserted. Post-select switch 122 is then closed by the customer, causing the voltage drop across resistors 105 and 106 to be impressed upon capacitor 84, it being remembered that switch 126 is open and that resistor 105 is thus in the circuit (not shorted). The circuit is calibrated so that the combination of a voltage representing 45 and impressed across storage capacitor 79a, and the voltage drop across resistors 105 and 106 and impressed across capacitor 84, will total the firing voltage of diode 31. Such diode therefore fires to effect flow of current through the primary 34 of transformer 33. This circuit is from capacitor 79a through a lead 132, a lead 136 to the diode 31, transformer primary 34, and lead 123 back to the otherside of the series combination of capacitors 79a and 84.

The voltage thus induced in the secondary of trans former 33 causes firing of thyratron 32, and consequent flow of current through the following circuit: Coil 137 of a relay 134, a lead 138, contact 142 of a cam switch 141, arm 139 thereof, lead 100 to terminal 17 of the power source, terminal 16 of the power source, lead 18, lead 21, rectifier 22, lead 103, and back to the cathode of thyratron 32. t

The resulting energization of relay 134 effects shifting of the contact arms thereof, so that one arm 133 of relay 134 is closed into engagement with contact 143. This creates a shorting circuit effecting total discharge of storage capacitor 79a, such shorting circuit including a lead 142 to lead 117, also including the lead 132.

,1 correspondingly, terminal 171 is connected through lead A second contact arm 146 of relay 134 is closed to contact 147, thus effecting energization of the motor 148 of the, vending apparatus with which the totalizer circuit is associated. This circuit is from] power terminal 16 through lead 18, motor 148, lead 149, relay arm 146, contact 147, and lead 151 back to lead and power terminal 17. Motor 148 causes the vending machine to go through itscycle. At the end ofthe cycle, themotor causes operation of a cam 152 to shift switch arm 139 out of engagement with contact 142, and into engagement with contact 153.! The above-described circuit to thyratron 32 is thus broken, so that the thyratron ceases to fire and effects de-energization of relay 134. The contact arms 146 and 133 then return to, their normal (open) positions, shown inthe drawings, re-setting the totalizer for another cyclej'of operation. The closing'of arm 139 to terminal 153 completes a second energization circuit for vending machine motor 148, whereby cam 152 is rotated until switch armj139 again engages contact 142 and re-sets the circuit for another cycle.

To set up the circuit for penny operation, the service man merely closes switch 126 and removes the plug or block from the penny slot in the vending machine. 1 Resistor is thus shorted, through the above-described circuit including the normally-closed contacts 127 of relay 128. This means that even though the slider 119 is set at 45, for example, vending will not occur unless one of the following occurrences takes placei (a) insertion of 50 in nickels, dimes, or quarters into the coin slots therefor, or (b) insertion of 45 plus opening of the shorting circuit for resistor 105, by energizing relay 128.

Such energizing of relay 128 is effected by inserting pennies into the machine.

A means for energizing relay 128' and thus breaking the shorting circuit for resistor. 105, upon insertion. of the required number of pennies into the machine, is provided and will next be described. It is pointed out that, with the illustrated embodiment, no more than four pennies should be inserted for any particular vending cycle, the

rest of the total sales price being adapted to be, paid by nickel's, dimes, and quarters exclusively.

The penny slot of the vending machine has associated therewith a coin switch 154, "the construction of which may correspond to that of switches 6870. The arm 156 of such-switch is normally closed to terminal 158, so that the associated charging capacitor 159 is energized, by the voltage drop across resistor 104, as in the case of capacitors 73a-75a. Dropping of a penny into the penny slot causes shifting of arm 156 away from terminal 158 I and into contact with terminal 161, thus causing-discharge of capacitor 159 into a second storage capacitor 162. Such discharge is through a circuit which includes capacitor 159, switch'arm 156, terminal 161, alead 163, storage capacitor 162, and lead'131-back to lead 117 and thus to the other side of capacitor 159.

Another capacitor 164, corresponding in function to capacitor 84, is connected in series with capacitor 162 and is adapted to be charged with various voltages determining the number of pennies which must be inserted before relay 123 will be energized. The means for impressing the desired voltage on capacitor 164 is illustrated to comprise another contact bar or lead 166 having a slider 167 thereon. The slider is adapted to engage various terminals or contact points 168-172, inclusive.

Terminal 168 is blind, and may be labelled zero cents,

so that the service man will move the slider 167 thereto when the machine is-set up (by blocking the penny slot and opening switch 126, as previously described) for operation without pennies. The second terminal 169 may be connected through a lead 174 to the junction of resistors 107 and 108,-whereas terminal may be connected through lead 176 to the junction of resistors 109 and 110.

177 to the junction of resistors 111 and 112, and terminal 1 1 172 is connected through lead 172a to the junction of resistors 113 and 114. Terminals 169-172, inclusive, are labelled, respectively, 4, 3, 2 and 141'.

When slider 167 is set at terminal 170, as illustrated, and when switch 178 is closed, the voltage drop across resistors 106-109, inclusive, is impressed across capacitor 164, it being remembered that resistor 105 is shorted and thus out of the circuit. This circuit may be traced from the lower side of capacitor 164 to a single-pole singlethrow switch 178, contact bar or lead 166, slider 167, terminal 170, lead 176, resistor 109, resistor 108, resistor 107, resistor 106, the shorting circuit for resistor 105, and lead 131 back to the other side of capacitor 164. It is pointed out that progressively greater voltage is impressed across capacitor 164 as slider 167 is moved downwardly, which means that less pennies must be inserted into the penny slot to eifect operation of the penny register portion of the circuit.

The calibrating of the penny register portion of the circuit of FIGURE 4 is done in relation to the firing voltage of a cold-cathode gas-filled diode 179 which corresponds in function to the diode 31 previously discussed. Diode 179 is connected, in series with the primary 181 of a transformer 182, across the series combination of capacitors 162 and 164. This circuit is from the upper side of capacitor 162 through a lead 183 (leading to an arm 184 of relay 128), thence through a lead 187 to diode 179, and thence through primary 181 to the capacitor 164.

The values of capacitors 159, 162 and 164 are selected to cause firing of the diode 179 when sufiicient pennies have been inserted into the penny slot. This applies also to the points of connection of leads 1'74, 176, 177 and 172a to the series-connected resistors. Thus, assuming that the slider 167 is at the point indicated, it is known that when the voltage drop across resistors 106-1199 (and thus across capacitor 164) is added to the voltage stored in capacitor 162 as a result of three discharges of capacitor 159, the diode 179 will fire.

Upon firing of diode 179, which cannot occur until closing of switch 178, a voltage is induced into the transformer secondary 188 to result in firing of the thyratron 189, the latter corresponding to thyratron 32. This effects energization of the coil 191 of relay 123 through the following circuit: Coil 191, a lead 192, lead 138 to cam switch 141, lead 100, terminals 17 and 16 of the alternating current supply, lead 18, lead 21, rectifier 22, lead 103, a lead 193 to the cathode of thyratron 189, and the plate of thyratron 189 back to coil 191.

Upon energization of the relay 128, its contacts 127 open to break the shorting circuit for resistor 105. The resulting increased voltage across capacitor 84 operates, as described above, to effect firing of diode 31 and thus initiate a vending cycle. Energization of relay 128 also closes arm 184 into engagement with contact 194, thereby effecting shorting and total discharge of storage capacitor 162 through a circuit including lead 183, and leads 197 and 131. The previously described opening of cam switch 141, at the end of the vending cycle, breaks the circuit to the relay coil 191 and thyratron 189, and re-sets the circuit.

OperatinF 1 G URE 4 Let it be assumed that the switches and relays are all in their illustrated positions, which are the normal positions between vending operations. The service man adjusts the sliders 119 and 167 until they total the price of the article to be vended. Assuming that the price of the article is 48, slider 119 is set to 45 and slider 167 to 3. The purchaser inserts any combination of nickels, dimes, and quarters, totalling 45, into the coin slots therefor, thus eifecting operation of the corresponding coin switches 68-70 and consequent charging of capacitor 79a. Coins totalling 45 will not effect sufficient charging of capacitor 79a to cause firing of diode 31, and consequent commencement of a vending cycle, since the shorting of resistor 105 by the circuit including relay contacts 127 prevents the voltage across capacitor 84 from being sufficiently high. However, the shorting circuit for resistor is ing circuit for resistor 105, the additional voltage across.

capacitor 84 causes firing of diode 31, firing of thyratron 32, and energization of relay 134. This closes a circuit to motor 148 of the vending machine. Upon completion of vending, the cam switch 141 is opened away from contact 142 to break the circuits to relays 1 28 and 134. The circuit is then reset for a subsequent operation, capacitors 79a and 162 being totally discharged through completion of shorting circuits therefor when the relays are energized.

In the event the customer inserts an extra nickel into the coin slot so that the nickels, dimes, and quarters total 50 in the illustration, vending will occur without insertion of any pennies since the voltage across capacitor 84 and capacitor 79a is then sufficient to effect vending regardless of the shorted condition of resistor 105. Should it'be desired to set the circuit for vending without pennies, as a multiple of five, for example, the penny coin slot is blocked, switch 126 is opened to remove the short from resistor 105, and slider 167 is set to the blind terminal 168.

It is pointed out that vending does not take place until closing of the post-select switches 122 and 178, which (as previously indicated) may be done by means of a push button or other device operated by the customer after the coins have been inserted. The totalizer is thus of the post-select type. Alternatively, the totalizer may be of the pre-select type by merely maintaining switches 122 and 17 8 closed at all times. The totalizer may thus be either post-select or pre-select, as desired for the particular use.

With more complicated switching means than the slider or potentiometer devices specified herein, the same totalizer may be employed (without adjustment by a service man) to effect vending at different prices, in accordance with the article selected by the particular customer. For example, in a sandwich vending machine, different sand- Wishes may be vended at different prices. Each sandwich is represented by a switch set to contact suitable taps on the potentiometer 105-115, such taps corresponding to the sales price of the selected sandwich. Then, after selection of the particular sandwich, and after insertion of the requisite coins into the coin slots, closing of switches 122 and 173 results in vending of the desired sandwich.

Description of Means Employed in the Circuits ofFIG- URES 4, 6, 7, for Nullifying the Efiects of Current Leakage across the coin switches In the circuits of FIGURES 1 and 2, the means 13 was;

employed to compensate for the effects of leakage across the coin switches, and self-charging of the capacitors. In the circuits of FIGURES 4, 6, and 7, means 13 is eliminated and a. special shielding or bleed means, illustrated in FIGURE 5, is employed. The coin switch shown in FIGURE 5 is representative of all coin switches which may be employed in the circuits of FIGURES 4, 6, and 7 (or in the circuits of FIGURES l and 2, if desired). Each such switch has arm 72 which is inserted in the desired coin slot for downward movement upon passing of a coin through the coin slot. Such arm is spring biased so that its contact is normally in engagement with the upper contact 67, the latter being mounted on an arm or post 196 supported in a casing 197. Casing 197 is formed of a good insulator, but some leakage of current nevertheless takes. place therethrough.

The contact 76 of the coin switch is mounted on a post 13 193, on the opposite side from post 196 of the pivot post 199 for arm 72. Post 198 is mounted in casing 197 by a means which comprises a layer 201 of insulating material provided around the post, and a metal ring 202 mounted around the insulating layer 201 and supported in the casing 197. The ring 202 is connected to the negative terminals of capacitors 79a and 162, that is to say connected to the lead 117. Such connection is indicated by the lead 203 in FIGURES 4, 6, and 7. Y

With the described arrangement, leakage current from posts 196 and 199 flows through casing 197 to the region of post 198, but does not reach such post since it is collected by the ring 202 and conducted to the negative termi nals of capacitors 79a and 162 through lead 203. It follows that the post 198 for contact 76 does not receive any leakage current, which means that there is no build up of charge across storage capacitors 79a and 162 due to leakage across the coin switches. the capacitors 79a and 162 may be rendered negligible through the use of special capacitors having low dielectric absorption.

Description of the Circuit FIGURE 6, Incorporating Change-Making Means responding to the over-charge on the storage capacitor means which was numbered 79a in previous embodiments. Such over-charge is created by an excessive discharge of voltage from capacitors 73a-75a, due to in sertion of a coin or coins totalling more than the price Self-charging of of the article being vended. The pulses resulting from the over-charge on the storage capacitor are employed to effect repeated or sequential energization of a discharge device, which device pays to the customer one coin for each energization.

To accomplish the above, the storage capacitor 79 and 79a of previous embodiments is replaced by two capacitors 2536 and 207 which are connected in parallel between leads 118 and 117. These capacitors have capacitance values which total approximately the same value as capacitor 79:: (assuming the same values of capacitors 73a75a, inclusive) and are separated by a high resistance 208 which is interposed in lead 118. Resistor 208 is connected to the gas-filled diode 31 which is, in turn, connected through transformer primary 34 to a lead 209. Lead 209 is connected both to capacitor 84 (the other side of which is connected to lead 117) and to a contact bar or lead 211 having a slider 212 thereon. Such slider,

as in the previous embodiment, is adapted to be selectively connected to points between the various resistors 105- 115, such points having been numbered 550. Various amounts of voltage may be impressed across capacitor 84 in accordance with the position of the slider, it being remembered that capacitor 84 is connected through lead 117 to the upper side of resistor 105.

The voltage supplied to capacitor 206 leaks through the high resistor 208 and builds up (across capacitor 207) to a point where it, in combination with the voltage across capacitor 84, is sufiicient to effect firing of diode 31. Diode 31 then fires to deliver a pulse to the secondary of transformer 33. As above indicated, the diode 31 fires and extinguishes repeatedly, the number of such firings depending upon the amount of overcharge on the parallel capacitors 206 and 207 caused by insertion intothe machine of an excess coin total.

- 14 W Each pulse'thus delivered to transformer secondary 35 causes firing of "thyratron 32. This causes energization of the coil 213, preferably a shaded pole type coil, of a pulsing relay 214,through a-circuit which may be traced asfollows: Coil 213, contact 216 of the pulsing relay, arm 217 thereof, lead218, lead 219, lead 101 to source terminal 17, source terminal 16,'lead 18, rectifier 22, a I

lead 103, and thyratron 32 back torelay coil 213.

- As soon as pulsing relay 21'4'is thus energized, arm 217 shifts away from contact 216 and into engagement with contact 221. The above-described energizing circuit through relay coil 213 is thus broken, causing de-energiza-j tion ofthe pulsing relay 214, and extinguishment of the thyratron. 'However, a capacitor 222, preferably having approximately from 4 to 8 mfd. capacitance, connected in parallel with coil 213, maintains the pulsing relay energized sufficiently long to effect closing of arm 217 to the contact 221. 7

Closing of arm 217 to contact 221 completes an energizing circuit to an operating relay 223, as follows: Contact 221, a lead 224, a resistor 226, coil 2270f the operating relay, a lead 228, rectifier 19, lead 21, lead 18, power source terminal 1 6, power source terminal 17, lea d 101, lead 219, lead- 218, and back to arm 2170f the pulsing relay 214. I p

The resistor 226 in the above-described circuit co-operates witha capacitor'229 (shunted across coil 227)"to delay or-time'the shifting of'operating'relay 223 until after pulsing relay 214 has resumed its initial condition illustrated in the drawing. In other words, the various circuit elements 222, 226, and 229 are so adjusted that pulsing relay 214 will operate and then resume its initial position before operating relay 223 actually shifts. The purpose of this is to prevent completion of an energizing circuit to the solenoid 231 of the pay-out device upon the first pulse, but to permit energization of solenoid 231 for the secondand each subsequent pulse. 1 The circuit to the pay-out solenoid 231, which discharges one coin (normally a nickel). for each-energize tion thereof, may be traced as follows: Solenoid 231, contacts 232 of pulsing relay 214, a lead 233, contacts 237 of operating relay 223, lead 219, lead 101, terminal'17, terminal 16, lead 18, and a lead 234 back to the pay-out solenoid 231. The pay-out device may be of any suitable type, and may include a nickel-discharge chute 235.

To summarize the above-described relationships between relays 214 and 223, it is pointed out that the cone tacts 232 -and 237 are in series, so that both must be closed at the same time before the pay-out solenoid 231 will be momentarily energized." The first pulse does not cause simultaneous closing of contacts 232 and 237, since contacts 232 open before contacts 237 close. However, as soon as 'the operating relay 223 has been energized by the first pulse, it remains closed (during the entire period of operation of the vending machine) because of completion of aself-holding circuit which may be traced as follows: Normally-open contacts 236 of operating relay 223, coil 227 of the operating relay, lead 223, rectifier 19, lead '21, lead 18, source termina-1 16, sourceterminal 13, lead 101', lead 219, contacts 237 of operating relay 223 (such contacts then beingclosed), a

lead 238, normally-closed contacts 239 of a'stopping lead 219, power source terminals 17 and 16, and back through a lead 244 to the motor 242a.

The continued closed condition of operating relay 223 i also serves to maintain an open circuit across the portion 15 of the voltage divider which includes resistors 105-115, inclusive. These resistors are normally shorted out by a post-select switch 247 until after the coins have been inserted into the unit, and until the post-select switch 247 has been pressed (opened) by the customer to cause the first pulse as will be described hereinafter. In order to maintain the post-select circuit open after the customer releases the switch 247, which is normally a push button, the normally-closed contacts 248 are provided on operating relay 223, such contacts remaining open after the operating relay is shifted as above described. The shorting circuit for resistors 105-115, and through the switch 247 and contacts 248, may be traced as follows: Switch 247, contacts 248, a lead 249, a lead 251, lead 117, resistors 105-115, inclusive, lead 103, and a lead 252 back to the post-select switch 247.

The length of the vending cycle is adjusted, through proper selection and gearing of the motor 242a and other elements, so that the cycle is not over until all of the change has been paid out to the customer. At the end of the vending cycle, vending motor 242a effects closing of a cam switch 253 and thus causes energization of the stopping relay 241. This circuit "is from power terminal 17 through switch 253, a lead 254, coil 256 of the stopping relay, lead 257a, lead 234, and lead 18 back to source terminal 16.

Energization of stopping relay 241 opens the contacts I 239 and thus breaks the holding circuit to operating relay 223, so that such relay resumes its initial condition illustrated in the drawing. When the stopping relay arm shifts to break contacts 239, it closes contacts 257 of such relay to maintain the vending motor energized until cam switch 253 has again opened. This circuit is through contacts 257, lead 219, lead 101, source terminals 17 and 16, lead 244, vending machine motor 242a, and lead 238 back to the arm which comprises a component of both sets of contacts 239 and 257. Opening of the cam switch 253 causes de-energization of the motor, by de-energizing relay 241, the apparatus then being reset for a new cycle of operation upon insertion of additional coins.

The de-energization of operating relay 223 effects opening of the contacts 237, which breaks the initially described vending motor circuit and causes contacts 257 to take over as indicated, until the cam switch 253 again opens. The closing of contacts 248 of the operating relay causes shorting of the resistors 105-115, until a subsequent operation of the apparatus.

To complete the resetting of the totalizer for a subsequent cycle of operation, an arm 258 of the stopping relay closes to its contact 259, and an arm 26]. closes to its contact 262. This efiiects, while the stopping relay 241 is energized prior to opening of cam switch 253 as indicated, completion of shorting circuits for the storage capacitors 206 and 207. The first of such shorting circuits may be traced from arm 258 through contact 259, a lead 263, lead 118, capacitor 206, lead 117, lead 251, and back to arm 258. The second of such shorting circuits is as follows: Arm 261, contact 262, a lead 264, capacitor 207, lead 251, and back to arm 261. Capacitors 206 and 207 are thus completely discharged to prepare them for subsequent cycle.

Operation-F1 GURE 6 1 For purposes of illustration, let it be assumed that the service man has set the slider 212 at the 10 terminal, representing a selling price of 10. Let it further be assumed that the customer has inserted 25 into the machine, in the form of a single coin or any combination of dimes and nickels. If the inserted coin were a quarter, switch 70 would momentarily shift to a position at which arm 72 is in engagement with contact 76, resulting in discharge of capacitor 75a into capacitor 206 and consequent increase in voltage on the latter. Such a voltage is insuflicient, however, to initiate the vending cycle since there is no voltage across capacitor 84 due to the fact that resistors -115, inclusive, are shorted through the circuit including post-select switch 247 and contacts 240 of the operating relay. Such shorting of resistors 105-115 has the beneficial effect of greatly increasing the charging voltage across resistor 104, close to the full value across circuit points a and b, which makes the operation of the apparatus less non-linear.

After the voltage corresponding to insertion of 2595 is impressed across capacitor 206, it leaks (after ashort period of time) through the high resistor 208 until it is also impressed across capacitor 207.

Having inserted the coin or coins into the machine, the customer next opens the post-select switch 247 and thereby breaks the shorting circuit across resistors 105-115. The voltage drop across resistors 105-113 (slider 212 being set at the 10 terminal) is thus impressed across capacitor 84, which is in series with capacitor 207. Since the circuit is calibrated so that a voltage across capacitor 207 corresponding to the insertion of 10, when combined with the voltage across capacitor 84, Will effect firing of diode 31 and thus commencement of the vending cycle, the combined voltage across capacitors 207 and 84 is more than suflicient to effect firing of diode 31 (25 having actually been inserted in the present illustration). Firing of diode 31 causes flow of current through pulsing transformer 34 and consequent firing of thyratron 32.

When the thyratron fires, a circuit is completed through coil 213 of pulsing relay 214, thereby effecting shifting of such relay-but only momentarily since the movement of arm 217 away from contact 216 breaks the circuit to the combined voltage across capacitors 207 and 84 to a value less than the sustaining voltage required to maintain the diode in firing condition. Such drop in voltage is only momentary, and builds up again to the firing voltage of diode 31 as soon as sufiicient time has elapsed for the requisite voltage to leak through high resistor 208 from capacitor 206 to capacitor 207. Subsequent pulses or firings of diode 31then occur in accordance with the amount of excess charge on the capacitor 206, as determined by the amount of coins inserted into the apparatus.

From the above it will be understood that the first firing of diode 31, that is to say the first pulse, causes rapid shifting of pulsing relay 214 and consequent shifting of operating relay 223, but the latter does not occur until after the pulsing relay has resumed its initial condition. The second and subsequent pulses or firings of diode 31 effect operation of pulsing relay 214 in the same manner as the first pulse, but have no eifect on the operating relay 223 since such relay is maintained shifted by a holding circuit which may be traced through contacts 236 and contacts 239 of the stopping relay 241. The pay-out solenoid 231 is not energized during the first pulse since contacts 232 close and then open before contacts 237 (which are in series therewith) close. Upon subsequent pulses, each closing of contacts 232 eifects momentary energization of the pay-out solenoid 231, since contactsoperating relay effect completion of a circuit to the motor 242a of the vending machine, thus causing the vending cycle to commence.

The vending cycle, as previously indicated, is so regulated that it will continue at least as long as is required to discharge the change from the coin apparatus associated with pay-out solenoid 231. In the illustration, in

which 25 was inserted for'a article, the cycle must continue at least long enough to permit four pulses of the diode 31 and associated apparatus. The first pulse causes the vending to commence, but does not effect energization of the pay-out solenoid, whereas the three substopping relay 241 and effect shifting of the contacts thereof. Contacts 239 thus open and break the holding circuit to the operating relay 223, so that such relay assumes its initial condition and breaks the energizing circuit to the vending machine motor. The shorting circuit for resistors 105-115 is completed upon closing of contacts 248.

When the stopping relay 241 shifts, it completes a new energizing circuit for motor 242a, through contacts 257, so that the motor 242a continues operating until cam switch 253 has again opened to reset the apparatus for a subsequent cycle of operation. The stopping relay also operates through its contacts 259 and 262 (and associated arms 253 and 261, respectively) to effect shorting of storage capacitor 206 and 207.

Discussion of Circuit Relationships and Calibration, Particularly in Connection with the Change-Making Circuit 0 FIGURE 6 The following description'relative to the selection of values of capacitors 73a-75a, relative to the value of the storage capacitor or capacitors, and relative to the values I of compensating resistors 105-115, applies not only to the change-making circuit of FIGURE 6 but also, in principle, to the penny register circuit (FIGURE 4) as well as the basic circuit shown in FIGURE 2. Such description constitutes an amplification upon the basic description given in connection with FIGURE 1.

A storage capacitor is first selected, having a capacity related to the firing voltage of diode 31 and sufiiciently high to store the charge impressed thereon as a result of discharge of capacitors 7311-7511. the circuit of FIGURE 6, capacitors 206 and 207 may be treated, since they are connected in parallel, as one capacitor having a value which is the sum of the two capacitances.

Again with reference to the circuit of FIGURE 6, the full voltage between points a and b is impressed across lines 102 and 117, by closing the shorting circuit for resistors 105-115, after which capacitor 73a is repeatedly discharged ten times (assuming the nickel, dime, quarter relationship in the illustration) into the storage capacitors 206 and 207. It is then determined what voltage is present across capacitors 206 and 207, and the values are so selected that such voltage is not quite high enough to efiect firing of diode 31. The values are selected, however, so that one additional discharge of capacitor 73a (totalling 11 discharges) would cause diode 31 to fire.

The value of capacitor 74a is then selected so that five discharges thereof will produce the same voltage, in parallel capacitors 206 and 207 of FIGURE 6, as the ten discharges of capacitor 73a. Correspondingly, the value of capacitor 75a is selected so that two discharges thereof will produce the same voltage in the storage capacitors as five discharges of capacitor 74a, or the ten discharges of capacitor 730.

75o With reference to The above arrangement is, as previously stated, nonlinear. The non-linearity is such that each successive discharge of capacitor 73a adds a smaller increment of voltage, to the parallel capacitors 206 and 207, than did the previous discharge. 'Ihis-non-linearity is important in the calibration of the resistors -115, which may be termed compensating resistors since they compensate for an "inadequate number of discharges of the charging capacitors to elfect vending at values less than 50. To calibrate the first compensating resistor 105, slider 212 is moved to the 50 terminaL'and theshorting circuit for the resistors 105-115 is placed across resistors 1106-115. The value of resistor 105 is then adjusted until the voltage thereacross, and thus across capacitor 84, is suificient to cause firing of diode 31 after ten discharges ofcapacitor 73a into capacitors 206 and 207.

Slider 212 is then moved to the 45 terminal and the said shorting circuit is placed across resistors 107-115, and the value of resistor 106 is adjusted until firing of the diode 31 will occur after This process is repeated, for each of the resistors, until only one discharge of capacitor 73a will effect firing when the slider 212 is at the 5 terminal.

It is pointed out that the values of the resistors at the bottom portion of the voltage divider are generally higher than the values at thetop portion thereof. This is because, as above stated, more voltage is added to the storage capacitor 206and 207 upon the initial discharges of capacitor 73a (corresponding to resistors 113 and 115) than upon the final discharges thereof (corresponding to resistors 106 and 107, etc.).

The reason for selecting the circuit values so that ten discharges of capacitor 73:: are insufficient to cause firing of the diode 31 is that it is not desired to cause the diode to fire until post-select switch 247 is opened to break the shorting circuit for resistors 105-115.

Although the above calibration procedure was also applicable to the circuit of FIGURE 4 and the circuit of FIGURE 2, except for differences in the'voltage supply during charging of the capacitors 73a-75a prior to discharge thereof into the storage capacitor means, the following description has reference on y to FIGURE 6 (and also FIGURE 7). i

During the above-described calibration procedure, the values of capacitors 206 and 207, relative to each other, do not matter. These relative capacitance values are determined (as will next be stated) with relation to the pulsing characteristics of the change-making circuit, but are always such that the total value of capacitors 206 and 207 is approximately equal to the value of the storage capacitors present during calibration of charging capacitors 73a-75a.

Stated generally, the relationship between capacitor 206, capacitor 207 and high resistance 208 is so adjusted that the number of pulses will be one greater than the number of increments of excess charge on capacitors 206 and 207. Each increment of excess charge may be defined as the charge added by each discharge of capacitor 7301 after a vending-initiating voltage has been stored in capacitors 206 and 207. Thus, there should only be one pulse if the coins inserted into the apparatus total the price of the article being vended, there then being no increments of excess charge, and there should be one additional pulse for each nickel inserted above the price of the article being vended. The number of pulses is increased by lowering the value of capacitor 207 relative to the value of capacitor 206, but always insuch manner that these capacitances total approximately the same value as was present during calibration of capacitors 73a-75a.

The relationship between the pulsing components is nonlinear, and in a different manner than the manner in which the relationship between the compensating resistors 105- 115 is non-linear. However, it has been discovered that it is possible to select values of capacitors 206 and 207 nine discharges of capacitor 73a.

i which will provide a limited number of pulses, over' the range required.

To calibrate the capacitors 206 and 207 relative to each other, the slider 212 is set at a certain point, for example at the 10 terminal as illustrated, and capacitor 7 3a is discharged a predetermined number of times, for example five. This corresponds to an insertion of 25 for a 10 purchase price. The relative values of capacitors 206 and 207 are then adjusted until four pulses result, the first pulse starting the vending cycle and the remaining three pulses effecting discharge of three nickels to the customer. This empirical process is then repeated for different numbers of discharges of capacitor 73a (or capacitors 74a and 75a), and the capacitors 206 and 207 are adjusted until the proper number of pulses are obtained for various numbers of discharges of capacitors 73414511.

Slider 212 is then moved to various other terminals, and the process is repeated until the capacitors 206 and 207 are proper in value (over the entire range) to provide the required number of pulses. It is pointed out that more than five pulses are not normally required, since the customer would not insert more than 25 for a 5 purchase, or more than 50 for a 30 purchase.

The value of the high impedance resistor 208 is adjusted to control the speed of pulsing, and is generally related to the speed of operation of the pulsing relay 214, pay-out solenoid 231, etc. Thus, the resistor 208 is preferably of such value that the remaining components in the circuit will operate as fast as they are capable of operating, to increase the pay-out speed to the maximum.

To continue the illustration in which 25 has been inserted into the apparatus for a purchase, the voltage across capacitor 84 is high since slider 212 is at the lower end of the voltage divider. The combined voltage across capacitor 207 and capacitor 84 is thus high (because of the excess coins inserted) in relation to the value required to fire diode 31. Let it be assumed that diode 31 fires at 63 volts and extinguishes at a predetermined lower voltage, for example 50 volts. Since the voltage across capacitors 207 and 84 is substantially higher than 63 volts, diode 31 will fire and result in the initial pulse required to start the vending cycle. Such pulse causes a rapid drop in the voltage across capacitors 207 and 84, and may (as a transient condition) cause the voltage across capacitor 207 to become negative relative to that across capacitor 84. Regardless of whether or not such a negative condition may exist as a transient state, it has been determined that the diode 31 extinguishes after the first pulse, which means that the combined voltage must be depressed lower than 50 volts. Thus, it has been experimentally determined that in certain instances the diode 31 will extinguish even when the voltage across capacitor 84, by itself, is higher than the 50 volt extinguishment voltage of the diode 31.

The momentary reduction in the voltage across capacitors 207 and S4 is made up or replaced by the remaining voltage across capacitor 206, and at a rate determined by the magnitude of resistor 208. As soon as the voltage across the combined capacitors 207 and 84 again reaches the 63 volt firing voltage of diode 31,. the diode fires to cause a second pulse which continues until the voltage across capacitors 207 and 84 momentarily drops below the 50 volt extinguishment voltage. This process is repeated, with some of the voltage across capacitor 206 feeding into capacitor 207 after each pulse, until there is no longer suflicient voltage to raise the combined voltage value across capacitors 207 and 84 to the 63-volt firing voltage. In the present illustration, this occurs after four pulses.

In the preferred embodiments of FIGURES 2, 4, 6 and 7, capacitor 73a has approximately 0.016 mfd. capaci tance, capacitor 74a has approximately 0.033 mfd. capacitance and capacitor 75a has approximately 0.09 mfd. capacitance. In the preferred embodiment of FIGURE 4, capacitor 79a has approximately 0.25 mid. capacitance;

and in the preferred embodiments ofFIGURES 6 and 7, capacitor 206 has approximately 0.15 mfd. capacitance and in FIGURE 6 capacitor 207 has approximately 0.1 mfd. capacitance. In the preferred embodiments of FIG- URES 4 and 6, resistor 104 is approximately 330,000 ohms, 105 is approximately 9,700 ohms, 106 is approximately 10,300 ohms, 107 is approximately 10,960 ohms, 108 is approximately 11,640 ohms, 109 is approximately 12,400 ohms, 110 is approximately 13,200 ohms, 111 is approximately 14,040 ohms, 112 is approximately 14,940 ohms, 113 is approximately 15,900 ohms, 114 is approxi mately 16,920 ohms and 115 is approximately 18,000 ohms. In the embodiment of FIGURE 4, capacitor 159 has a capacitance of 0.033 mfd., capacitor 162 has a capacitance of 0.250 mfd., and capacitor 164 has a capacitance of 1.250 mfd.

Description of the Circuit of FIGURE 7, Which Is Particularly Adapted for Use in Connection With Coin- Operated Phonographs.

The circuit of FIGURE 7, which is particularly adapted for conventional nickel-dime-quarter coin-operated phonographs (although it may be employed for other denominations of coins), is basically the same as the change-making circuit of FIGURE 6. Corresponding components of the circuit of FIGURE 7 and that of FIGURE 6 have been correspondingly numbered in most instances. In the circuit of FIGURE 7, the resistors 266 and 268 are so related that the operation of the circuit is the same as that of FIGURE 6, when the slider 212 of the latter is set at St. Accordingly, one pulse is delivered by the pulsing transformer 33 upon insertion of 15, two pulses for 10, and five pulses for 25.

Each pulse causes firing of thyratron 32, and completes a circuit to a stepping relay 266 so that the wheel 267 thereof rotates one step clockwise for each pulse. This circuit may be traced from the plate of thyratron 32 through a lead 268, normally-closed contacts 269 of the stepping relay, solenoid coil 271 of such relay, a lead 272, a lead 273, lead 101, source terminals 17 and 16, lead 18, rectifier 22, and lead 103 back to the cathode of thyratron 32.

Each time the solenoid coil 271, preferably a shaded pole type, is energized, it operates not only to open the contacts 269 but also to shift an operating arm 274 downwardly. This effects the above-indicated clockwise rotation of wheel 267 for one step, there being a detent mechanism 276 provided to determine exactly the amount of rotation effected. As soon as contacts 269 open, the circuit to coil 271 is broken and thyratron 32 extinguishes, but the capacitor 277, preferably having approximately 4 to 8 mfd. capacitance, (across coil 271) maintains coil 271 energized sufiiciently long to effect the above-described downward shifting of arm 274.

A roller 278 on the relay wheel 267 is in engagement with an arm 279 only when the wheel is at the illustrated neutral position. By shifting the wheel 267 (and thus roller 278) one step clockwise, arm 279 is released to permit closing of a normally-open switch 281. Closing of switch 281 completes a power circuit through the motor 282 of the phonograph, such circuit being traceable from power lead 18 to a lead 283, motor 282, lead 284, switch 281, and lead 273 to power lead 101.

Motor 282 operates continuously while roller 278 is out of engagement with arm 279. After the phonograph plays each record, motor 282 effects momentary closing of a cam switch 286 to complete a circuit to a second solenoid coil 287 of the stepping relay 266. Such circuit is from lead 18 through a lead 288, switch 286 therein, and then back through lead 273 to power lead 101. Energization of solenoid coil 287 causes downward shifting of an asso ciated arm 291 and thus causes rotation of relay wheel 267 one step counter-clockwise, or in the opposite direction from the rotation efiected by shifting of arm 274.

After a second record has been played, switch 286 tion of the motor. The number of records played is thus related to the number of coins (and the value of the coins) inserted in the various coin slots.

It is frequently desired, in apparatus of the type indicated, that insertion of a quarter will result in six plays instead of five. This is provided for by adding an additional capacitor 292 in parallel with the quarter capacitor 7521. A switch 293 is adapted to cut capacitor 292 into and out of the circuit, when desired by the serviceman. The value of capacitor 292 is so selected that, when added to the value of quarter capacitor 75a, and after discharge into the storage capacitors 206 and 207a, it will effect six pulses instead of five; and that value will preferably be approximately 0.15 mfd. The motor 282 is thus caused to play six records instead of five, upon insertion of a quarter.

Ln order to adapt the apparatus for monetary inflation and deflation, a capacitor 294 is added, in series with a switch 296, across storage capacitor 207a. When switch 296 is closed, capacitors 294 and 207a are in parallel with each other and result in a lesser number of pulses. For example, to compensate for present operation and future monetary inflation, capacitor 207a is selected so its capacity plus that of capacitor 294 equals the capacity of capacitor 207 in FIGURE 6; and so capacitor 207a will respond to opening of switch 296 to provide one pulse for 10, two pulses for 20 and three pulses for 25, and will respond to paralleling with capacitor 294 when switch 296 is closed to provide one pulse for 10, two pulses for 20 and three pulses for 30. Consequently, in such a case, opening of the switch 296 provides normal operation and closing of that switch provides operation in times of monetary inflation. To compensate for present opera tion and future monetary deflation, capacitor 207:: is selected so its capacity plus that of capacitor 294 equals the capacity of capacitor 207 in FIGURE 6; and so capacitor 2tl7zz will respond to paralleling with capacitor 294 when switch 296 is closed to provide one pulse for 10, two pulses for 20 and three pulses for 25; and will respond to opening of switch 296 to provide one pulse for 10, two pulses for 15 and four pulses for 25. Consequently, in this latter case, closing of the switch 296 provides normal operation and opening of that switch provides operation in times of monetary deflation. In this latter case, the values of capacitors 294 and 207 will be different from those assigned to those capacitors in the former case.

Various embodiments of the present invention, in addition to what has been illustrated and described in detail, may be employed without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

I clairn:

1. In a totalizer or accumulator for coin-operated apparatus, storage capacitor means, charging capacitor means, coin-operated switch means to effect charging of said charging capacitor means and then discharging thereof into said storage capacitor means, and pulse means connected to said storage capacitor means to generate sequentially and automatically a number of electrical pulses which is related to the charge on said storage capacitor means as determined, at least partially, by the number of coins inserted and consequent number of operations of said switch means, said pulse means also being connected to an output circuit to elfect sequential operation of components thereof, said pulse means being self 2.2 contained within the totalizer'for operation inthe absence of external stimuli.

2. In a coin totalizer or accumulator, charging capacitor means, storage capacitor and pulsing means including at least two parallel-connected capacitors separated by a high resistor, coin switch means adapted upon insertion of coins therethrough to effect charging of said charging capacitor means with voltage from a direct voltage source and thereafter to effect-discharging of said charging capacitor means said storage capacitor and pulsing means and at a rate determined by factors including the magnitude of said resistor, and means responsive to the voltage across said other capacitor to effect a control operation and also to effectmomentary reduction of said voltage across said other capacitor to a lower value, said last-named means operating to effect another control operation after building up of said voltage across said other capacitor from said lower value to a higher value due to leakage of voltage from said one capacitor.

3. In a coin totalizer or accumulator, charging means, storage capacitor and pulsing means including at least two parallel-connected capacitor means separated by high resistor means, means including coin-responsive means to effect charging of one of said capacitor means by said charging means, the resulting voltage across said one capacitor means then leaking into the other of said ca pacitor means of said storage capacitor and pulsing means and at a rate determined by factors including the magnitude of said resistor means, said storage capacitor and 4. The invention as claimed in claim 3, in which said last-named means includes a stepping relay responsive to successive firings of said diode.

5. A combination change-making totalizer or accumulator and coin-operated apparatus, which comprises va coinoperated apparatus, a payout means operably associated with said'apparatus and responsive to each energization thereof to discharge one coin having a predetermined relatively low denomination, storage means, coin-operated charging means to charge said storage means to a voltage related to themonetary value of various coins inserted into the apparatus, pulsing means associated with said storage means and responsive to said voltage to generate successive pulses the number of which is one greater than a predetermined number, said predetermined number being determined by subtracting the operating price of the apparatus from the total monetary value of the inserted coins'and dividing the remainder by the monetary value of said low-denomination coin, means responsive to one of said pulses to initiate operation of said apparatus, and means responsive to each other pulse to energize said payout means.

6. A totalizer for coin-operated apparatus, which com- I prises a first storage capacitor, a first charging capacitor, a first coin switch adapted when in normal position to charge said first charging capacitor from a source of direct voltage and when'in actuated position to effect dischargev of said first charging capacitor into said first storage capacitor, a second charging capacitor, a second coin switch adapted when in normal position to elfect charging of said second charging capacitor from a source of direct voltage and when in actuated position to effect discharge of said second charging capacitor into said first storage capacitor, a third charging capacitor, a third coin svw'tch 23 adapted when in normal position to efiect charging of said third charging capacitor from a source of direct voltage and when in actuated position to efiect discharge of said third charging capacitor into said first storage capacitor, a second storage capacitor connected in parallel with said first storage capacitor, a high resistance connected between said first and 'second storage capacitors whereby the voltage impressed across said first storage capacitor must leak through said high resistance before being impressed across said second storage capacitor, a compensating capacitor connected in series with said second storage capacitor, a gas-filled diode connected across the series combination of said second storage capacitor and said compensating capacitor, means to impress a variable direct voltage across said compensating capacitor and in accordance with the price of the article or commodity being vended, said charging capacitors being so related to said first and second storage capacitors that difierent numbers of discharges of said charging capacitors are required before a predetermined voltage is built up across said storage capacitors, means to efiect operation of a pulsing relay" upon each firing of said gas-filled diode, an operating relay adapted to efiect initiation of an operation of said apparatus, means to effect operation of said operating relay due to the first operation of said pulsing relay upon the first firing of said gas-filled diode, pay-out solenoid means adapted to discharge a coin to the customer upon each energization thereof, and means to effect energization of said pay-out solenoid means upon the second operation of said pulsing relay and upon each subsequent operation thereof, as determined by the number of firings of said diode.

7. The invention as claimed in claim 6, in which timedelay means are provided to prevent shifting of said operating relay until after said pulsing relay has shifted to actuating position and then returned to initial position, and in which the circuit to said pay-out solenoid includes contacts of both the pulsing relay and the operating relay whereby operation of said pay-out solenoid during the first operation of said pulsing relay is prevented.

8. A totalizer for coin-operated apparatus, which com-. prises a first storage capacitor, a first charging capacitor, a first coin switch adapted when in normal position to charge said first charging capacitor from'a source of direct voltage and when in actuated position'to efiect discharge of said first charging capacitor into said first storage capacitor, a second charging capacitor, a second coin switch adapted when in normal position to effect charging of said second charging capacitor from a source of direct voltage and when in actuated position to efiect discharge of said second charging capacitor into said first storage capacitor, a third charging capacitor, a third coin switch adapted when in normal position to efiect charg ing of said third charging capacitor from a source of di- 24 rect voltage and when in actuated position to eifect discharge of said third charging capacitor into said first storage capacitor, a second storage capacitor connected in parallel with said first storage capacitor, a high resistor connected between said first and second storage capacitors whereby the voltage impressed across said first storage capacitor must leak through said high resistor before being impressed across said second storage capacitor, a compensating capacitor connected in series with said second storage capacitor, a gas-filled diode connected across the series combination of said second storage capacitor and said compensating capacitor, means to impress a voltage across said compensating capacitor, a stepping relay, means to effect operation of said stepping relay one step upon each successive firing of said diode, means to effect operation of the motor of said apparatus while said stepping relay is at a position away from the normal position assumed prior to the first firing of said diode, and means to return said stepping relay one step in the opposite direction upon each operation of said apparatus, whereby operation of said apparatus motor is discontinued after a number of operations of the apparatus related to the number of firings of said diode.

9. The invention as claimed in claim 8, in which means are provided to vary the capacitance of said second storage capacitor, to thus create difierent numbers of firings of said diode.

10. The invention as claimed in claim 8, in which means are provided to vary the capacitance of said third charging capacitor, to thus vary the voltage impressed across said first and second storage capacitors upon each discharge of said third charging capacitor.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,047,463 Dubilier July 14, 1936 2,147,954 Kozel et al. Feb. 21, 1939 2,323,255 Sutherland June 29, 1943 2,586,129 Wallin Feb. 19, 1952 2,606,639 Dolman Aug. 12, 1952 2,619,213 Harris Nov. 25, 1952 12,623,621 Armor et al. Dec. 30, 1952 2,627,962 May Feb. 10, 1953 2,640,575 Piano June 2, 1953 2,649,947 Nelson Aug. 25, 1953 2,669,335 May Feb. 16, 1954 2,716,211 Aas Aug. 23, 1955 2,739,603 Fry 1. Mar. 27, 1956 2,764,715 Lorenz Sept. 25, 1956 2,788,473 Breckman Apr. 9, 1957 2,853,173 Morrison Sept. 23, 1958 2,895,583 Lackey July 21, 1959 2,935,567 Anderson May 3, 1960 

1. IN A TOTALIZER OR ACCUMULATOR FOR COIN-OPERATED APPARATUS, STORAGE CAPACITOR MEANS, CHANRGING CAPACITOR MEANS, COIN-OPERATED SWITCH MEANS TO EFFECT CHARGING OF SAID CHARGING CAPACITOR MEANS AND THEN DISCHARGING THEREOF INTO SAID STORAGE CAPACITOR MEANS, AND PULSE MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID STORAGE CAPACITOR MEANS TO GENERATE SEQUENTIALLY AND AUTOMATICALLY A NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL PULSES WHICH IS RELATED TO THE CHARBE ON SAID STORAGE CAPACITOR MEANS AS DETERMINED, AT LEAST PARTIALLY, BY THE NUMBER OF COINS INSERTED AND CONSEQUENT NUMBER OF OPERATIONS OF SAID SWITCH MEANS, SAID PULSE MEANS ALSO BEING CONNECTED TO AN OUTPUT CIRCUIT TO EFFECT SEQUENTIAL OPERATION OF COMPONENTS THEREOF, SAID PULSE MEANS BEING SELF CONTAINED WITHIN THE TOTALIZER FOR OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF EXTERNAL STIMULI. 